Fasting in Perspective

FRIDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY
Fasting in Perspective
Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? —Isaiah 58:6
We have had to fast from so many things this past year that we had always taken for granted before: physical touch, travel, and large group gatherings, to name a few.
How many of the things we have fasted from are actually luxuries, not necessities?
Fasting from eating out in a restaurant, getting our hair cut whenever we want, flying across the country to see the grandkids, or going on a mid-winter cruise are all things you may have given up to stay safe.
Isaiah reminds us today to put these sacrifices in perspective.
Millions of people in our country do not have access to these luxuries in the first place because of poverty, injustice, and oppression.
How has this pandemic created further injustice and burdens for the most vulnerable, and how might God want us to address these?
FOR ACTION:
What decision(s) can you make to use your time, money, or energy in the service of justice this week?